In 1954 Fez, American expatriate Stenham reluctantly takes a guide for his nightly walk through the Medina’s labyrinthine streets. As a nationalist uprising shakes Morocco, Stenham finds himself at odds with the changing landscape, clinging to the remnants of the old city. His journey intersects with the illiterate son of a healer, another outsider in a politically charged Morocco. This raw and honest novel delves into life amidst terrorism, violence, and the opportunism that thrives in their wake, showcasing Bowles’ masterful exploration of Eastern and Western cultural conflicts and the challenges of otherness.

Why You Should Read?

• Explores the clash between Eastern and Western cultures with depth and nuance.
• Offers a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of a nationalist uprising.
• Highlights the universal theme of otherness and the struggle to belong.
• A compelling read for those interested in historical fiction and cultural studies.